Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke, by Peter Guralnick

Peter Guralnick has, once again, written a definitive biography about an icon of American music. Guralnick, who won the American Book Award for his two-volume biography of Elvis Presley, scores again with Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke.

Guralnick details Cooke’s life from birth to death, providing insight not only into his music but into the instrumental role he and his music had in the cultural changes in America during the period in which he recorded. Highly recommended reading. Recommended listening to accompany your reading: Sam Cooke with the Soul Stirrers and Live at the Harlem Square Club.